Aore Island Guidebook Tours, Accommodation & Local Experiences
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By Justine Murray 7min Read
Where Is Aore Island?
Aore Island is a small tropical paradise located just off the coast of Luganville, Santo, in Vanuatu’s northern islands.
Only a 5-minute boat ride from Santo’s mainland, Aore offers calm beaches, coconut plantations, coral reefs, and a warm, authentic island community. It’s often described as the hidden jewel of Vanuatu close to town but a world away in peace and simplicity.
Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying a week, Aore Island combines natural beauty, local culture, and adventure all at a relaxed island pace.
Aore Island Accommodation
Stay at Beachfront on Aore, right on the beach or Sea Perch airbnb or camping cabins with sweeping views our private island home surrounded by tropical gardens and ocean views. The house offers quiet comfort and direct access to the beach perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and watching sunsets.
Guests enjoy a self-contained stay with housekeeping, ferry transfers ( Boat taxi), and the option to join island tours or cultural experiences nearby. There are no crowds, no noise just coconut palms, reef water, and friendly faces.
Things to Do on Aore Island
Aore Island isn’t about resorts or crowds it’s about slow travel and local life.
Here are some of the most popular activities and free things to enjoy:
- Snorkel straight off the beach – coral gardens and tropical fish are just metres from shore.
- Ride a bike around the island and visit small villages, beaches, and farmlands.
- Walk through jungle trails and discover local gardens, cocoa trees, and vanilla vines.
- Watch sunsets over Santo with a cool drink and the sound of waves.
- Join the locals for weaving, cooking, or a kava night under the stars.
Everything on Aore is close it’s safe, peaceful, and perfect for exploring at your own pace.
Planning a holiday in Vanuatu is simple and affordable, but knowing where to go makes all the difference. From exploring Aore Island’s beaches to finding the best local stays, these tips will help you enjoy your trip with confidence and discover the real island experience.
Aore Island Tours & Experiences
1. Aore Island Boat Tour
Circle the island by boat with local guide Mata.
Swim at hidden beaches, snorkel coral reefs, and stop for fresh tropical fruit along the way.
Duration: Half day Cost: 12,000 Vt (~AU$150)
2. Cocoa Plantation Tour
Learn how Vanuatu cocoa is harvested and dried. Taste raw cacao and see how it becomes local chocolate make some chocolate and see how it is made.
Duration: 4 hours Cost: 8,000 Vt per person
3. Vanilla Farm Visit
Tour a small family-run vanilla plantation and see how vanilla pods are hand-pollinated and cured.
Finish with a sweet vanilla coconut drink.
Duration: 1.5 hours Cost: 3,500 Vt per person
4. Food Forest & Permaculture Walk
Explore a sustainable farm where coconuts, pineapples, and spices grow naturally under the trees.
Duration: 2 hours Cost: 3,000 Vt per person
5. Jungle Walk to the Lookout
Hike through lush tropical forest to the Aore Island Lookout, with views over Santo and the Coral Sea.
Duration: 2 hours Cost: 2,500 Vt per person
6. Weaving & Island Cooking with the Mamas
Spend a day learning traditional skills weaving baskets, cooking Simboro, and sharing stories over lunch.
Duration: Half day Cost: 5,500 Vt per person
7. Kava & Kai Kai Feast
An authentic evening with local families — kava drinking, a Kai Kai pig on the spit, and island songs by firelight.
Duration: 3pm–5pm Cost: 8,000 Vt per person
8. Stay with Rex – Village Life Experience
Spend three days at Rex’s house in the heart of Malo island.
Live simply, cook over the fire, and see daily life up close.
Includes: Meals, accommodation, and local guide.
Duration: 2 nights 3 days Cost: 27,000 Vt per person
9. Freediving and Spearfishing
Spend the days out free diving in the heart of Aore island.
xperience Aore Island’s crystal-clear waters the traditional way with our
Spearfishing and Freediving Tour.
Join local island guides who’ll teach you safe, sustainable reef hunting techniques passed down through
Includes: Lunch, boat and local guide.
Duration: Full day Cost: 27,000 Vt per person
Explore Vanuatu Tours Across Santo, Aore, and Beyond
Discover the best Vanuatu holidays with island tours, resorts, and authentic local experiences. From Aore Island getaways to Santo adventures, explore why Vanuatu is one of the South Pacific’s top travel destinations.
Tours in Santo Easy Day Trips
Aore Island is the perfect base to explore Santo’s highlights:
- Blue Holes – crystal-clear freshwater lagoons perfect for swimming.
- Champagne Beach – one of the world’s most beautiful white-sand beaches.
- Port Olry – a quiet fishing village with fresh seafood and turquoise waters.
- Million Dollar Point – snorkel among WWII relics just offshore.
Transfers and tours can be arranged directly from Aore Island just ask your host.
Island Etiquette & Local Manners
Life on Aore moves at a gentle pace. Please:
- Greet everyone with a smile or “Halo!”
- Ask before taking photos of people or villages.
- Dress modestly away from the beach.
- Don’t pick fruit without permission.
- Sundays are quiet family days — perfect for resting or reading by the sea.
Living in Vanuatu: Lifestyle, Costs, and Culture
Life in Vanuatu is slower, safer, and cleaner than many crowded tourist destinations. With fresh local food, a welcoming community, and direct links to Australia and New Zealand, the lifestyle here offers a balance of affordability and true island living.
Frequently Asked Questions about Aore
Where is Aore Island located?
Where is Aore Island located?
Aore Island sits just off the coast of Luganville, Santo, in northern Vanuatu. It’s a short 7-minute boat ride from Santo’s mainland across the Segond Channel.
How do I get to Aore Island?
How do I get to Aore Island?
Fly to Santo-Pekoa International Airport (SON), then take a car transfer to Santo Hardware Wharf where a ferry or private boat brings you across to Aore. Transfers can be arranged through Beachfront on Aore.
Do I need to book the boat or ferry in advance?
Do I need to book the boat or ferry in advance?
Yes. Ferries (Boat Trasfers) run Monday to Friday at scheduled times (8 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm).
Private boat taxis operate daily 6am - 7pm but should be booked 24 hours in advance.
Are there shops or restaurants on Aore Island?
Are there shops or restaurants on Aore Island?
Aore is quiet and community-based. There are no large shops, but local families sell fruit and vegetables. Most guests stock up in Luganville before arrival or use our pre-arrival shopping service.
Is Aore Island safe for travellers?
Is Aore Island safe for travellers?
Yes. Aore is one of the safest islands in Vanuatu. Locals are kind, respectful, and always greet visitors with a smile. You can safely walk or cycle anywhere on the island.
What are the best things to do on Aore Island?
What are the best things to do on Aore Island?
Snorkel straight from the beach, cycle around the island, visit cocoa and vanilla farms, take a jungle walk to the lookout, or join a kava night and kai-kai pig feast with the locals.
Can I take day trips from Aore to Santo?
Can I take day trips from Aore to Santo?
Yes. Ferries and boat taxis make it easy to visit Champagne Beach, Blue Holes, Million Dollar Point, and Port Olry as day trips.
When is the best time to visit Aore Island?
When is the best time to visit Aore Island?
The dry season (May–October) offers calm seas and cooler nights. The green season (November–April) is warmer with short tropical showers and lush scenery.
Is there Wi-Fi and phone coverage on Aore?
Is there Wi-Fi and phone coverage on Aore?
Yes. Basic Wi-Fi is available at Beachfront on Aore, and phone roaming works for calls and texts. High-speed Wi-Fi can be arranged if required.
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